Sessional_Paper_1904 — Page 579

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The analytical figures given by a sample of unfiltered water from the West River will prove of interest. The following report was made:---

"The amount of organic matter present being higher than that in a first-class drinking water, this sample is of medium purity. The amount of impurity is very small. With but little purification this water could be converted into an excellent supply.

The sediment is composed of alumina, iron oxide, silica, magnesia, vegetable debris, and bacterial forms. The water has to a certain extent undergone self- purification-alumina, iron oxide, and magnesia having in course of time, been thrown out of solution, and in their precipitation have carried down some of the bacterial and vegetable matter of the water, thus forming a sediment of a mixed character."

The Dangerous Goods Ordinances, 1873 and 1892.

5. Of petroleum and petroleum fuel, 244 samples were examined. The qua- lity of the oil imported was sufficiently high to pass the 73° F. limit.

The Food and Drugs Ordinance.

6. Forty-seven exhibits were examined. The following table shows the results of the examination of 42 samples taken for the purpose of analyses:-

Beer, Brandy,

Milk,

Ghe,

Portwine,

Whisky,

Gin..

Coffee,

+

DESCRIPTION.

NO. OF SAMPLES.

No. FOUND

NO. FOUND

GENUINE.

ADULTERATED.

16

16

2

2

7

2

1

I

1

1

13

13

1

1

1

1

7. A sample of tinned ham was found to contain .377 per cent. of boric acid

and 6.187 per cent. of salt.

•

blown the gas contained

Poisonous metals were absent.

Poisonous metals were absent. The tin being slightly

therein was examined and found to be air expanded by

the summer heat prevailing at the time of examination.

8. The result of the systematic method of taking samples by the Police has been that the sale of adulterated liquor has ceased in the Colony.

sis.

BLOOD STAINS.

9. Forty-five articles consisting of clothing and weapons were examined.

10. Samples of lime, mortar, cement, and red earth, have been sent for analy

Some experiments with 'red earth' mortars have been continued.

It has been found that after more than a year's immersion such mortars, when not containing more than eight volumes of red earth to oue volume of lime, become harder when kept under water than when exposed in the ordinary way. The lime used was the 'shell' variety and contained no soluble silica.

Red earth has been found to contain no less than 12.8 per cent. of soluble silica; its hydraulic character is therefore at once explained. Red earth is thus a kind of "pozzuolana."

LIME.

11. The quality of this material still demands attention. It is frequently contaminated by much lime carbonate, also by sand. The use of bad lime for building purposes will entail much expenditure yearly in repairs to houses.